Page 71 of Her Sweet Surrender
“Are you okay, babygirl?”
She turned her head to meet his gaze. “I will be.”
He nodded in encouragement.
So many people attended Kylie’s funeral, it was standing room only. Although Brie and Sir arrived early, they sat in the far back. Brie could barely see Faelan up at the front.
He sat, hunched over, his face buried in his hands. Marquis sat beside him, his hand on Faelan’s back. On the opposite side of Marquis, Celestia sat rocking the tiny infant.
Glancing around the room, Brie saw many faces she recognized, including Dr. Glas, who was standing on the other side of the room. Brie was pleased to see the doctor had come in support. Although she thought it unusual, she found it touching and was comforted by his presence.
The entire room was silent except for the occasional cough and quiet sniffles. The mood of the gathering was intensely somber as everyone stared at the closed coffin and the beautiful portrait of Kylie beside it. She was beaming at everyone in attendance with her winning smile.
Brie understood why Faelan couldn’t bear to look at it.
Even though it was held in a church, it was not a heavily religious ceremony. Instead, it was about celebrating Kylie’s life and the people she had touched. Brie heard that her parents had spent days creating the video of Kylie, which they played during the service.
For the first time, Brie saw pictures of Kylie as a baby. It struck Brie how closely her daughter resembled her, with those big expressive eyes and that cute button nose.
Gut-wrenching sobs came from up front as both families mourned for her loss, but Faelan remained silent, hunched over with his head lowered.
When the pastor invited people to speak, Kylie’s brother was the first to come forward. He shared memories of their childhood and the fact that Kylie graduated top of her class. What he remembered most, however, was the excitement in Kylie’s voice when she confessed she’d found the man she was going to marry when she was still in high school. That had stayed with him because she did end up marrying him before she died.
“I’ve never seen a woman more in love,” her brother confessed, glancing at Faelan.
All eyes turned to him, but Faelan kept his face buried in his hands, oblivious to everyone around him.
Unfazed, Kylie’s bother continued but, partway through his eulogy, the baby started to fuss. When Celestia’s efforts failed and she couldn’t quiet her, both grandmothers attempted to comfort the child to no avail.
Faelan made no move to quiet the child.
Brie felt sad for the baby but understood. All she had to do was put herself in Faelan’s place to realize he was in too much pain to help anyone—even his little girl.
Once Celestia had her quiet again, the service continued without interruption. Normally, immediately following the funeral, the grieving family stood outside to greet those in attendance and allow them to express their condolences.
However, at the end of this service, Marquis stood up and addressed everyone in attendance.
“Honoring the wishes of the family, we ask that you make your way to your cars. We will follow the limousine to the cemetery where there will be a short graveside service.”
Marquis then placed his hand on Faelan’s shoulder.
Faelan glanced up at Marquis with a look of relief. He stood up and hurried out of the back of the church without saying a word to anyone.
“This does not bode well,” Sir murmured under his breath as they filed out of the church.
“I agree, Sir,” Brie whimpered.
Sir rested his hand on Brie’s shoulder as they waited for Marquis and Celestia to emerge from the church.
Rytsar joined them. “The boy is not well.”
Sir frowned. “It’s far worse than I thought.”
“What are we going to do,moy droog?”
“We need to speak to Wallace alone.”
“Agreed.”
